Sefton Council to remove recycling sites across the borough

Illegal dumping and flytipping has become so bad that Sefton’s recycling centres look set to close.

If proposals are given the go-ahead, Sefton Council will close sites in Southport , Ainsdale, Formby and further afield, with the authority stating that “the tonnage collected via bring banks is decreasing year on year whilst the amount of dumping and flytipping is increasing.”

According to council documents, the withdrawal of the bring banks would save money “in terms of the Cleansing Services resource currently utilised to maintain levels of cleanliness” and “associated disposal costs of the flytipped and dumped material”

A decision is expected in the coming weeks if approved, the proposed changes would be implemented once the Council’s current contractual arrangements with Palm Recycling Ltd end on July 31.

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “Recycling sites are being used less as residents embrace the kerbside collection arrangements

“Many of the supermarkets have private arrangements with companies such as the Salvation Army who provide textile banks at stores, and these would remain on site.

“There are also numerous charity collections from charity shops who welcome donations of textiles.”

Residents have had mixed views on the plans.

Roy Carnall, a property manager from Birkdale , said: “It just means that our normal household waste bins will be overflown with rubbish and the lids raised on collection days.

“Collectors often don’t pick them up if the lids are raised, meaning we’ll have excess waste everywhere, attracting rats and other vermin.”

Gail Maher, who runs The Crib community centre on Eastbank Street said: “If the centres close, the council should offer more doorstep collections.”

Jennie Howard, a microscope technician from Southport agreed with the plans.

She said: “It makes sense.

“Most people put their old clothes in the charity bags nowadays, and most of the other things are being recycled at home”.

Kelly Davies, a life coach from Waterloo, said: “What a shame the facilities are being abused by the few who lack social responsibility for their own rubbish.

“It’s sad that the minority’s selfishness is impacting on the community as a whole.”

What do you think of the proposed closures? Tell us in the comments below - or email your views to kate.lally@trinitymirror.com